Ratty

I think the kids bikes are heavier than the adult bike so that us adults can try keep up with them! A friend of ours son got a Specialized kids mtb and it was a LOT lighter than the bmx he had been riding (I struggled to take it up a hill for him) so he was stoked.

I've learn't from past experiences that even the robost phones don't like liquid. I lost a nokia after someone knocked a beer all over me and it was in my pocket. For this reasons, my cell phone goes in a waterproof pouch that is attached to a click in my camelback pocket. I don't think the iPhone will be that Robust, just imagine falling on a rock and damaging the screen, you will cry. I like my garmin as its an all in one thing. Previously I had a Polar watch, bicycle computer and Endomondo on my phone. Much easier just have one device that I can quickly move between bikes. Only problem is I haven't got used to having a computer on the bike that you have to charge.

I just make it clear that the first person to give me the money gets the product. Been burn't before where someone has said they are definitely taking something so you hold it for them for a day or two, tell other people its no longer available and then the person turns around and says they aren't taking it. Not just strangers, but a good friend as well. Luckily with my most recent sale, I had to tell someone that the bike was no longer for sale as someone else had said they would put the money into my account and the guy need to know that day as he was looking at another bike as well. Then the guy who was going to put money into my account didn't put it in when expected. In the end if worked out well as the money was paid, although a week and a half later. But, had the guy turned around and said he was no longer interested, or never paid the money I would have lost out on another sale. Its no fun for the seller to have to tell someone that something has been sold. If you are interested in something, then make sure you see it asap and pay the money asap. Its not fair to expect the seller to hold onto it for you.

I've got the ERA, which is the same as the Epic, just for us girls. I did a ride the other day that took me longer than 7 hours and I was not uncomfortable on the bike at all. They was riding with the suspension quite hard as well. The big question is the sort of riding you want to do. When I'm hitting the technical singletrack, especially the steep downhills and rocks / roots, I miss the stumpjumper as it made everything seem easy and I was riding things I wouldn't normally have riden. My ERA on the other hand is like a thoroughbred race horse on the downhills. She just wants to go and I find myself constantly having to keep her in check. She climbs like a beast though. All I miss the stumpy, there is no way I'll ever give up my ERA.

Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you both didn't come off too badly. Good luck with a speedy recovery!

Oops, mine 2:1 (this is for my 2 bikes combined, all based on purchase price) Either I'm spending too much on bikes or too little money on my car. I like to think its the latter :-)

That sounds almost like the speed camera's in the UK where instead of just trapping you at one spot, they monitor your speed between two points.

i've always been one of the people greeting everyone, but with our new cycle route there are so many people riding, it gets a bit much. I need some time to get air in my mouth. Must say though that a group from City Cycles past us through Green Point on Sunday and they were all most polite and well mannered. One guy even let me through even though it meant losing his group. Also have had the Outrider group pass me a while back and I got lots of hello's even though they were concentrating on riding in a group. I think us cyclists are a "community" and whereas walkers / drivers aren't. I think runners all great each other

She must be hot for them to all be so friendly!

when I bought my son's trailer, they didn't have the one I wanted in stock so they replaced it with another one (after checking with me first). I had however ordered a conversion kit for it so I could use it for running as well +- R600. They sent the one I had ordered which would have fitted the first trailer. Partly my fault, but partly theres as well. Spoke to them about it and they shipped me the correct one free of charge, all I had to pay was the VAT. When I asked about returning the other one, they said don't worry as with shipping costs etc it wasn't worth it for them. Really impressed with their service. Also when we had questions, the guys were very helpful. I hardly think people can blame slow delivery on them. Once the item leaves there warehouse, it is out of their hands.

Twice while in my 20's I've had to go on a special "diet" to put on weight. Once was for Amateur horse racing, I weighed almost the same as the pro jockey's and had to put on 2kgs to be allowed to race as an ameteur. Was extremely hard!!! Other time was when my doc put me on a wheat, sugar, dairy free diet for my sinus and I started looking anerexic. Had to supplement with shakes inbetween meals. Then I fell pregnant. Although I cycled up till 6 1/2 months, I put on 12kgs. 2 1/4 years later I've only lost 3 of those and thats with trying to eat a healthy diet, not binge on burgers, chocolate etc :-( How things change.....

My 2 year old has the KTM version of the JD bug and is now only just big enough for it so its going to last a while. He loves it and is now learning to balance. He gets his speed up and then its feet off the ground. The seat is still on its lowest setting so its going to last a while. Much better IMO than a tricycle.

Anyone looking to buy their little ones a bicycle should look at something like this. Lasts up until 5 years apparently. It teaches balance. My can ride along for a bit with his feet up so the transision to normal bicycle (without trainer wheels) should be a fairly easy one. http://i53.tinypic.com/2ex6a9k.jpg

Agree with you DisyLIzzy, that was low Meis. I'm better at patching a tyre than a few males I know. Ok, so I struggled the other day to put my new captain on, but now that I've worked out a technique, it is simple. Its not just about strength. Practice makes perfect.

Few years back after breaking my hand I was desperate to get back on the bike. Indoor trainer was so boring. So, I went on a ride with my hand still in its cast. Had to ride on flatish roads as I couldn't use the back brakes. Ended up having to go to the chiro to get my back sorted out as I was riding slightly skew, but worth it. I can't go long without riding, I get miserable.......

I stopped to help a girl who looked distressed on the tar section at the start of the Karoo to Coast. Her tyre was flat and she had no idea how to fix it. To make things worse, her friends had converted her to tubeless on the Friday before the race. She at least had bombs, a tube etc so I helped her and she went on her way and left me in her dust.

What do you drink /eat when you ride?

Like what someone else said, there is no point getting your back aligned, when the muscles can't keep it aligned. Sounds like it is going out of aligment between visits. My legs are normally slightly different before,and fine afterwards, but I normally only go once every 6 months or so and its only out by 1-2 cms.

I know someone who had a similar thing and after going to the chiro a few times and resting completely (i.e not even picking his own son up) it came right. My mom also had a slipped disk which was pinching the nerver and she had to have bolts put into her back. Op was done at a government hospital and was 100% successful. After being in excrutiating pain for 6 months, she is now totally pain free.

Yes! The ladies bikes are normally a better fit as they are designed for a lady for example: In a men's I'm between a medium and small, but a ladies medium fits me perfectly. Plus the bike will come with a ladies saddle so you won't have to buy that seperately.

Nice picture the bystander took, certainly helps in proving the driver was negligent. What time was this?

Up to 50k for a Delphi 7 developer, boy I'm underpaid. Although I'm now a C# developer, I could quickly happily convert back for that kind of money. But, I can't give up the mountains and sea even for such good money.

This thread should be called "Lets make the joburgers jealous" :-) We have so many awesome places to go ride down here in the Western Cape. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to decide where to ride.

Or in my case, why are all the good mtb events on a Saturday when I have to take my son to his swimming lessons. Like this weekend, 2 fantastic races in the Western Cape, but BOTH are on Sat! Its not just the wives that complain about too much time and money spent on the bike. I have the same problem with my husband.

And that is why people should always give good service!